South Korean authorities say they have detained the head of the company that owns the Sewol ferry, which sank in April, over an allegation of cargo overloading.

Yang Jung-jin, a senior prosecutor, said Kim Han-sik, president of Chonghaejin Marine Co, was allegedly aware the Sewol exceeded its cargo limit but did not intervene. The ferry sank on 16 April and more than 300 people are either dead or missing.

All 15 surviving crew members involved in the ferry's navigation have been arrested, accused of negligence and failing to protect passengers. Four other Chonghaejin employees, who handled cargo on the ship, have been arrested.